Encapsulated PCM switching devices and methods of forming the same

Abstract

Switches, breakers that incorporate a phase change material are disclosed, as well as electrical devices including the same. A switch includes a first conductor, a second conductor spaced a distance from the first conductor such that the second conductor does not contact the first conductor, and a switching device electrically coupled to the first conductor, the switching device having a phase change material that, when heated, expands to electrically contact the second conductor.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A switch comprising:
 a first conductor; 
 a second conductor spaced a distance from the first conductor such that the second conductor does not contact the first conductor; and 
 a switching device electrically coupled to the first conductor, the switching device comprising a phase change material that, when heated, expands to electrically contact the second conductor. 
 
     
     
       2. The switch of  claim 1 , wherein a power source is electrically coupled to the first conductor, the power source providing a current across the first conductor. 
     
     
       3. The switch of  claim 2 , wherein a second power source coupled to a heating electrode arranged adjacent to the switching device such that resistive properties of the heating electrode cause heat to be produced from a current produced by the second power source, the heat being absorbed by the phase change material of the switching device. 
     
     
       4. The switch of  claim 3 , wherein a support structure is coupled to the switching device, the support structure providing a supporting structure that holds the heating electrode and directs expansion of the phase change material. 
     
     
       5. The switch of  claim 1 , wherein a power destination is electrically coupled to the second conductor. 
     
     
       6. The switch of  claim 1 , wherein a heat sink is thermally coupled to the switching device, the heat sink receiving heat flux from the switching device. 
     
     
       7. The switch of  claim 1 , wherein the switching device comprises a core having the phase change material and a shell encapsulating the core, the shell comprising an electrically conductive material. 
     
     
       8. The switch of  claim 7 , wherein the electrically conductive material is one or more of platinum, aluminum, copper, and silicon. 
     
     
       9. The switch of  claim 7 , wherein the shell has a thickness from about 1 nanometers (nm) to about 1000 nm. 
     
     
       10. The switch of  claim 1 , wherein the phase change material is selected from at least one of tin and indium. 
     
     
       11. A breaker comprising:
 a first conductor; 
 a second conductor contacting the first conductor; and 
 a switching device electrically coupled to the first conductor, the switching device comprising a phase change material that, when heated, expands to move the first conductor out of contact with the second conductor. 
 
     
     
       12. The breaker of  claim 11 , wherein a power source is electrically coupled to the first conductor, the power source providing a current across the first conductor. 
     
     
       13. The breaker of  claim 12 , further comprising a heating electrode positioned adjacent to the switching device, wherein the heating electrode causes heat to be produced, the heat being absorbed by the phase change material of the switching device. 
     
     
       14. The breaker of  claim 11 , wherein a power destination is electrically coupled to the second conductor. 
     
     
       15. The breaker of  claim 11 , wherein a support structure is coupled to the switching device, the support structure providing a supporting structure that directs expansion of the phase change material. 
     
     
       16. The breaker of  claim 11 , wherein a heat sink is thermally coupled to the switching device, the heat sink receiving heat flux from the switching device. 
     
     
       17. The breaker of  claim 11 , wherein the switching device comprises a core having the phase change material and a shell encapsulating the core, the shell comprising an electrically conductive material. 
     
     
       18. An electrical device comprising:
 a switch comprising:
 a first conductor, 
 a second conductor spaced a distance from the first conductor such that the second conductor does not contact the first conductor, and 
 a switching device electrically coupled to the first conductor, the switching device comprising a phase change material that, when heated, expands to electrically contact the second conductor; 
 
 a power source electrically coupled to the first conductor, the power source configured to provide a current across the first conductor, wherein resistive properties of the first conductor produce heat that is absorbed by the phase change material; and 
 a power destination electrically coupled to the second conductor. 
 
     
     
       19. The electrical device of  claim 18 , wherein the switching device comprises a core having the phase change material and a shell encapsulating the core, the shell comprising an electrically conductive material. 
     
     
       20. The electrical device of  claim 18 , further comprising a support structure comprising a heating electrode, the support structure coupled to the switching device, the support structure providing a supporting structure that directs expansion of the phase change material and the heating electrode providing heat to heat the switching device.